The 2026 Wharton County Junior College Pioneers volleyball team includes, seated, left to right, assistant coach Laura Hampton, Hadley Holchak of Richmond, Madilyn Hampton of Katy, Madelyn Johnson of Missouri City, Kristel Cababasay of Huntsville, Kylee Gray of Seadrift, Kaylee Britten of Orange, Avery Polak of Needville and assistant coach Meagan Cooke. Standing, left to right, are assistant coach Kurt Atkinson, assistant coach Ryan Hampton, Alejandra Palacios of Garwood, Kyndall Gray of Seadrift, Maya Grace of Crosby, Sarah Rogers of Nederland, Mylie Theisen of Huntsville, Jaycee Spears of Lumberton, Ashlee Hood of Sugar Land, Carley Ulrich of La Grange, and head coach Jerrick Cabrales.
WHARTON, TEXAS — The Wharton County Junior College Pioneers volleyball team kicks off its 2026 season later this month, and Head Coach Jerrick Cabrales believes he has the right mix of talent for a winning season.
“Although our overall roster leans young, our returners understand the expectations and standards required for success,” Cabrales said. “We lean heavily on their leadership, both on and off the court, to guide our team forward. Through collective work and shared accountability, we remain steadfast in pursuing these ambitious goals.”
Six sophomores will lead this year’s team: Kristel Cababasay, a Libero/Defensive Specialist from Huntsville; Jaycee Spears, a Right-Side Hitter/Outside Hitter from Lumberton; Sarah Rogers, a Middle Blocker/Right-Side Hitter from Nederland; Alejandro Palacios, a Right-Side Hitter/Middle Blocker from Garwood; Mylie Theisen, an Outside Hitter/Right-Side Hitter from Huntsville; and Hadley Holchak, an Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist from Richmond.
Incoming freshmen will also play a pivotal role in WCJC’s success.
“We are energized by the addition of our incoming players, including two key transfers who will have an immediate impact,” Cabrales said.
The Pioneers play in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region 14, widely considered to be one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. Cabrales credits his assistant coaches — all volunteers —with getting his players ready for such stiff competition. Assistant coaches for this year’s team include Meagan Cooke, Kurt Atkinson, Ryan Hampton and Laura Hampton.
“A successful program is built on strong leadership, and I am exceptionally fortunate to work alongside a dedicated coaching staff,” Cabrales said. “Each of them generously volunteers their time and expertise to mentor our student-athletes and elevate this program year after year.”
WCJC’s first home game of the 2026 season is on Thursday, Aug. 20 against North Central Texas College. Game time is 3 p.m. in the Gene Bahnsen Gymnasium on the Wharton campus. For the full schedule, visit wcjc.edu
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